The Church in Antioch
Acts 11:19-30
19 Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen’s death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews. 20 However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus. 21 The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord.
22 When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. 24 Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul. 26 When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.)
27 During this time some prophets traveled from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them named Agabus stood up in one of the meetings and predicted by the Spirit that a great famine was coming upon the entire Roman world. (This was fulfilled during the reign of Claudius.) 29 So the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could. 30 This they did, entrusting their gifts to Barnabas and Saul to take to the elders of the church in Jerusalem.
I often pray for my brothers and sisters who live in lands where you are persecuted for your faith in Jesus Christ. My heart aches when I hear about people being jailed, or killed for their faith. However, what I love is that so often these brothers and sisters are fearless in sharing their faith in Jesus and sharing the power of the Holy Spirit. People continue today to be fearless in their declaration of God’s love and power.
I remember when I got saved, and then I remember when I received the power of the Holy Spirit. I remember praying to Jesus Christ and saying: “Lord, I don’t care if I don’t have a friend, I will serve you for the rest of my days.” There is no retirement in the Kingdom of God.
This passage tells us about Stephen who was martyred for his faith – however the fruit of his death, was that the disciples scattered and began sharing their faith with both Jews and Gentiles. A LARGE NUMBER BELIEVED.
We know the passage: Romans 8 v 28: And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. Even in persecution, in death, in struggles, in challenging and difficult times, God works His purpose.
God I pray for my brothers and sisters and ask that whatever the season is in their lives, that they would know you were present with them. Give them courage, faith and hope to believe that you work ALL things for good, for those who LOVE you and are called ACCORDING TO YOUR PURPOSE.
In Jesus name, Amen
Written by Ps. Sue Botta